April 30th, 2007
Whether trained to grow on a structure, a fence or a wall, vines add another dimension to the garden. There are vines for every size and style of garden. Some cling, others twine and still others ramble and scramble. Perennial vines are like trees and shrubs in that they are more permanent, and thought should be given to how they will be used in the garden. Woody vines like the deciduous climbing hydrangea, Hydrangea anomala spp. petiolaris, offer bold texture and four seasons of interest with handsome heart-shaped green leaves, large flat clusters of flowers in early summer and striking peeling bark in winter.
April 13th, 2007
Whether you garden in sun or shade, there are myriad choices beyond English ivy when it comes to plants that cover the ground quickly and evenly. There are perennial creepers and spreaders to create a carpet under shrubs and trees, cover a bank or fill in between stepping stones. In small gardens, mixing several types of groundcovers can create a beautiful tapestry. Some groundcovers like golden creeping Jenny, Lysimachia nummularia 'Aurea,' will thrive in wet or dry soils and tolerate light to moderate foot traffic, making it a good choice for between stones in a pathway or near a pond. One word of caution: In wet soils, it is an aggressive spreader and will quickly fill up whatever space there is.
